MTV has announced it is launching MTV Games - a game studio set to produce software for the MTV audience.

According to a press release issued today, MTV's new game division will be "dedicated to developing, producing and promoting unique and creative gaming experiences that resonate with MTV's audience."

Original game franchises will be worked upon in partnership with independent game developers, and the division will apparently form partnerships with other game publishers to connect with the MTV audience "across multiple platforms".

A partnership with Midway Games Inc. was announced for three upcoming games, the first being "L.A. RUSH," an arcade racing game which allows you to fully modify your cars (as apparently seen in the hit MTV series, "Pimp My Ride.") The soundtrack contains over 75 songs from over 20 artists including Twista, Lil' Kim, Big Boi and DJ Rap.

The two other gaming titles to be released under the agreement will be revealed at a later date.

In the upcoming future, MTV Games say they will deliver a diverse slate of releases to core gamers and casual gamers alike, and will use all the MTV channels, online portals and the MTV Films service to reach as large an audience as possible for its games, with more publisher partnerships to be announced soon.

No news on skateboard-em-ups starring Avril Lavigne so far, but we'll have more details on titles from MTV Games as they become available.